Liverpool set sights on Luis Suarez replacement Luis Muriel

With speculation mounting over the Uruguayan international's future, Anfield bosses have identified Udinese’s Colombian starlet Luis Muriel as a player who could replace him.

Saurez has won his battle with Liverpool, who will finally let him have transfer talks with Arsenal, after they put forward a £40m plus £1 bid, triggering a clause that allows him to talk to interested clubs.

The former Ajax star is said to be very keen to start a dialogue with the Gunners and was fuming that he was not allowed initially to not talk to them.

Luis Muriel in action for Lecce

“Luis Muriel is being touted as being a perfect replacement for wantaway striker Luis Suarez”

Tuttomercatoweb believes the North-West side are now ready to keep tabs on the situation with Muriel, who's been at the Serie A outfit since 2010.

The 22-year-old impressed during his first full season at Udinese, having spent two terms on loan at Granada and then Lecce, scoring 11 times in just 22 appearances.

Liverpool owner John W Henry made his feelings clear on Twitter about the Arsenal's bid, saying: "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?"

But Liverpool eventually capitulated and Suarez, 26, will now be free to hold talks with their Premier League rivals.